SS2 Third Term Government Lesson Note – The 1999 Nigerian Constitution

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WEEK 5

TOPIC: THE 1999 NIGERIAN CONSTITUTION

CONTENT:

(a) Origin and Features of 1999 Constitution.    

(b) Strengths and weaknesses of the 1999 Constitution. 

Sub–Topic 1: ORIGIN AND FEATURES OF 1999 CONSTITUTION

1999 PRESIDENTIAL CONSTITUTION

The presidential election of 1993 (June 12) was annulled; the head of state, General Sanni Abacha started a constitutional amendment process.

General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who took over from Abacha, set up a constitution drafting committee. A new constitution emerged called the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Features of the 1999 Republican Constitution

1. The constitution retains the 1979 and 1989 constitution.
2. The constitution provides for a bicameral legislature, consisting of the House of Representatives and Senate, and a unicameral legislature (House of Assembly) for each state.
3. The Secondary School Certificate is the minimum qualification for those wishing to contest elections into national and state positions such as legislators, president and governors.
4. The constitution provides for 774 local government councils.
5. Local government councils are to be administered by democratically elected chairmen and councilors.
6. The constitution provides for revenue allocation formula.
7. It retains the federal system of government with the sharing of powers.
8. It provides for fundamental human rights.
9. It defines the three forms of Nigerian citizenship: citizenship by birth, citizenship by naturalization and citizenship by registration.
10. There is provision for the independence of the judiciary.

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